Heart Defect Survivor Andrew Busenbark to Lead Fundraising Event
Four-year-old Andrew Busenbark was born with a series of congenital heart defects and just three days later had to undergo a 20-hour open heart surgery.
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January 29, 2010
Four-year-old Andrew Busenbark was born with a series of congenital heart defects and just three days later had to undergo a 20-hour open heart surgery.
Fortunately, the successful and timely interventions have allowed him to develop like a healthy child, and this April the boy will be leading thousands of participants as the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Go the Distance event, a walk and family fun day supporting the hospital that saved Andrew's life.
In celebrating the announcement, Andrew's parents wrote on the hospital's website that today their son is thriving as "a happy, energetic and caring child with a knack for puzzles and a penchant for duckpin bowling," adding that he loves playing with anything that resembles a car.
"He is the light of our lives," they added.
According to the March of Dimes, more than 25,000 babies are born each year with a congenital heart defect, making it the number one birth defect in the U.S.
As January is celebrated as Birth Defects Prevention Month, medical experts say pregnant women should avoid drinking, smoking, using illicit drugs or taking any medication without consultation with their doctors.
Regular supplementation with folic acid can also reduce the risk of birth defects, especially of the neurological type.
Survivors, their families and those who would like to donate may consult the website of the Birth Defect Research for Children.
Four-year-old Andrew Busenbark was born with a series of congenital heart defects and just three days later had to undergo a 20-hour open heart surgery.
Fortunately, the successful and timely interventions have allowed him to develop like a healthy child, and this April the boy will be leading thousands of participants as the Grand Marshal of the 2010 Go the Distance event, a walk and family fun day supporting the hospital that saved Andrew's life.
In celebrating the announcement, Andrew's parents wrote on the hospital's website that today their son is thriving as "a happy, energetic and caring child with a knack for puzzles and a penchant for duckpin bowling," adding that he loves playing with anything that resembles a car.
"He is the light of our lives," they added.
According to the March of Dimes, more than 25,000 babies are born each year with a congenital heart defect, making it the number one birth defect in the U.S.
As January is celebrated as Birth Defects Prevention Month, medical experts say pregnant women should avoid drinking, smoking, using illicit drugs or taking any medication without consultation with their doctors.
Regular supplementation with folic acid can also reduce the risk of birth defects, especially of the neurological type.
Survivors, their families and those who would like to donate may consult the website of the Birth Defect Research for Children.
